In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Ted Cohen—the “Godfather of Digital Music”—for a masterclass in how technology, culture, and creativity have shaped the modern music industry. From backstage with the Rolling Stones before their Ed Sullivan debut to pioneering digital deals at EMI, Ted’s career is a living history of music’s transformation.

Together, Oisin and Ted trace the arc from analog to digital, exploring how serendipity, artist development, and a relentless curiosity led Ted to work with legends like Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, Prince, and The Who. Ted shares candid stories from the road, the boardroom, and the cutting edge of innovation—whether sneaking Mark Zuckerberg and Sean Parker into the Grammys, navigating the Napster wars, or launching Amazon Music before streaming was mainstream.

The conversation dives into the evolution from distribution to the attention economy, the rise of AI and creative tools, and the shifting boundaries between consumption and experience. Ted reflects on the lessons learned (and missed) by the industry, the importance of building your “village,” and why kindness is the ultimate long game.

Learn more about TAG Strategic here: https://tagstrategic.com/

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

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In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Victoria Hesketh—aka Little Boots—singer, songwriter, producer, and founding performer for ABBA Voyage, the revolutionary concert where ABBA was reborn as digital “Abbatars.” Together, they explore how technology like holograms, AI, and immersive XR is reshaping the live music experience, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital performance.

Victoria shares her firsthand insights from ABBA Voyage, describing the emotional impact of performing alongside digital avatars and how audiences connect with shows that blend nostalgia, storytelling, and cutting-edge tech. The conversation delves into the balance between artistry and innovation, the importance of live musicians, and the ethical questions raised by resurrecting legends as holograms—all while considering how virtual spaces like Roblox and Fortnite are redefining what “live” means for a new generation.

Looking ahead, Victoria imagines a future where technology empowers creativity and authenticity, with concerts that visually paint music and foster real fan communities. She reflects on the need for genuine connection and hopes that, even as AI and digital innovation evolve, the heart of music—storytelling and artistry—remains at the center of every performance.

Watch on YouTube here:https://youtu.be/doz8JcR3Rvw?si=Cqa22s_ywT6ikWU6

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Dr. Mathias Johansson, Vice President of the Cognitive Systems Lab at Harman—a team at the forefront of AI and immersive audio innovation. Together, they dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the very nature of listening, making sound more responsive, emotional, and personal than ever before.

Mathias shares how Harman’s legacy of engineering excellence and decades of research underpin their approach to immersive audio, from gaming and automotive to live music experiences. The conversation explores the science behind perceptual modelling, the challenges of creating truly realistic 3D sound, and how AI is shifting audio from something you control to something that understands you.

He also discusses the future of sound—from adaptive, emotionally intelligent audio environments that follow you through your day, to the role of immersive audio in safety, entertainment, and even live concerts. Mathias reflects on the importance of user feedback, the intersection of psychology and technology, and Harman’s commitment to making world-class sound accessible to everyone.

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Hear more about Auracast here: https://audiotalks.podigee.io/76-bluetooth-exploring-auracast

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by trailblazing composer and conductor Eímear Noone, whose music has shaped everything from the Oscars to iconic video games like World of Warcraft and Diablo III. Together, they explore the transformative power of musical storytelling across film, television, and interactive media.

Eímear shares how her Irish roots, early mentors, and relentless curiosity propelled her from a small village to the world’s most prestigious stages. The conversation delves into her experiences in the video game industry, the unique challenges and creative opportunities of composing for games, and the emotional depth that music can bring to storytelling.

She also discusses her commitment to supporting the next generation of composers through her mentorship program for young female artists, reflecting on the importance of resilience, community, and paying it forward in the music world.

Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsy-HaRo47I

Explore Eímear's work and upcoming events here: https://www.eimearnoonemusic.com/

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN, for an in-depth conversation about HARMAN’s recent acquisition of Sound United and its ripple effects across the audio industry.

Lyle shares his personal journey into audio, from formative childhood experiences and a defining first concert at Red Rocks, to his passion for building relationships and elevating iconic brands.

The episode also examines the promise of future product innovations and commitment to the audiophile community. Lyle Smith highlights the emotional connection people have with music, the challenge of balancing technical specifications with emotional appeal, and the responsibility to preserve brand authenticity. The conversation is rich with anecdotes about legendary brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and more—and the importance of keeping their DNA intact within the HARMAN ecosystem.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wK8c21VoYV8

Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect?

Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities.

This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt_EKKYB3bw

Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this special episode of Audio Talks, recorded live at IAA Mobility in Munich, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Andreas Ehret, Head of Automotive Business at Dolby, and Greg Sikora, Senior Director, Global Acoustic Systems Engineering at HARMAN. Together, they explore how the in-car experience is undergoing a sensory revolution, driven by innovation and collaboration between the two audio powerhouses.

From adaptive soundscapes and AI integration to real-time data personalization, the conversation reveals how HARMAN and Dolby are transforming car cabins into immersive entertainment hubs. The episode also delves into the emotional and artistic dimensions of automotive audio—highlighting how precision engineering and a deep understanding of the artist’s intent are shaping the future of sound on the road.

Through the personal journeys of audio engineers and the legacy of their craft, this episode offers a compelling look at how immersive audio and emotion converge to redefine the car experience.

Head over to YouTube to watch the recording:

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Karen Pearson, an award-winning producer and the visionary founder of Folded Wing, to explore her remarkable journey through the world of audio.

From her early passion for music and radio to leading one of the UK’s most innovative audio production companies, Karen shares how creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of sound have shaped her path. She reflects on the founding of Folded Wing and its mission to champion diversity and inclusion in audio storytelling.

Karen offers a heartfelt perspective on the enduring magic of live radio - its intimacy, authenticity, and the irreplaceable role of passionate presenters. She contrasts this with the rise of video and streaming, emphasizing why radio’s local connection and human touch still matter in a digital world. She also highlights the democratizing power of podcasts, celebrating how they’ve opened up the world of audio to new voices and fresh perspectives. As technology continues to reshape the audio landscape, Karen explains why these changes only enhance radio’s role as a source of comfort, community, and companionship.

Have a listen to Ezra Collective here:

Learn more about Folded Wing here: https://www.foldedwing.co.uk/

More info on 'Round Midnight from The Fire Station Sunderland at BBC Proms: https://www.foldedwing.co.uk/newsandblog/7685-soweto-kinch-to-host-a-special-edition-of-round-midnight-for-this-years-proms

Link to the 'Round Midnight show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xmqv

Link to The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rr86v

Jamie Cullum with Clint Eastwood: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009vy6r

Jamie Cullum pays tribute to Dave Brubeck: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0127ll1

We Live in Philly, Baby Radio Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ803dflKx4

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Marcela Rada, an award-winning researcher, educator, and founder of the Immersive Lounge. From discovering a field recorder at age six to winning Best Student Paper at the AES Convention in Warsaw, Marcela’s journey is a powerful blend of curiosity, academic rigor, and a passion for making immersive audio more accessible and artist-driven.

Marcela discusses the audio industry’s ongoing transformation driven by the rise of spatial and immersive audio formats such as binaural and ambisonics, and shares her thoughts on how these technologies are reshaping how sound is produced, experienced, and distributed, particularly in music, VR, and AR. As streaming platforms adopt immersive formats and offer new incentives, there’s growing demand for high-quality, spatially-aware music production. Through initiatives like The Immersive Lounge, Marcela explores how research, education, and collaborative production can help shape immersive audio as both a technological innovation and a creative discipline.

Check out Marcela's paper for the AES here:

Learn more about the Audio Engineering Society here: https://aes2.org/

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast

In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Sean Olive, former Senior Fellow at HARMAN and one of the most influential figures in modern audio research. Known for his groundbreaking work on the HARMAN Sound Curve, Sean has helped elevate the entire industry’s understanding of sound quality - bridging the gap between how we hear and how we measure sound. From struggling with poor recordings of his own piano recitals and jazz orchestrations to his mentorship under audio legend Dr. Floyd Toole and leadership as President of the Audio Engineering Society, Sean’s mission has always been to transform the way we experience sound. Here, he shares the personal and professional journey that led him to reshape how we think about listener preferences, headphone equalization, and predictive modeling of sound quality.

Check out the latest AKG headphones:

Learn more about the Audio Engineering Society here: https://aes2.org/

Look out for the upcoming fourth edition of Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers, Rooms and Headphones here: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003477495/sound-reproduction-floyd-toole-sean-olive-todd-welti

For Sean's upcoming keynote at the 2025 AES International Conference on Headphone Technology visit:https://aes2.org/event-extra/2025-aes-international-conference-on-headphone-technology-program/

Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93

Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening:

Instagram @audiotalkspodcast